YMCA of Ballarat Inc YMCA of Ballarat Youth Services Inc

COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT2015-2016

YMCA OF BALLARAT

MISSIONThe YMCA works from a base of Christian values to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit.

OUR VISION Together with our partners we create healthy and active communities and support individuals to achieve their full potential.

VALUES Honesty. Caring. Responsibility. Respect.

CONTENTS3 LEADERSHIP REPORTS

5 YMCA BALLARAT SNAPSHOT 2015-16

6 OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT - HEALTHY KIDS

8 OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT - HEALTHY LIVING

10 OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT - SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

13 GOVERNANCE

"We believe in the power of inspired young people"

LEADERSHIP REPORTS

YMCA BALLARAT BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I have great pleasure in presenting the President’s Report for 2015/16. The past twelve

months have been so positive for YMCA Ballarat as we have led our organisation through

an exciting period of change and responded to a new operating environment with

professionalism and determination. We have a new Board that has settled in well and

recently we welcomed Alan Labas and Daniel Anderson.

In January 2016, the Board appointed Kate Phillips to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Her commitment and

understanding of the YMCA movement has enabled YMCA Ballarat to move forward in a year of change and

adaptation. Kate and our talented Senior Management Team (SMT) have worked extremely hard to ensure

the profile of YMCA Ballarat has lifted, our operations remain strong and we are identifying new

development opportunities.

As the staff team have identified our priorities in the final year of our existing Strategic

Plan, the Board have simultaneously lifted our gaze to the next horizon. We are

nearing the completion of a six month strategic planning process, which involved a

series of workshops, environment analysis and business driver identification. I can

share with confidence that our future looks very bright.

I would like to express the Board’s sincere thanks to the wonderful YMCA staff who

always seem to go that extra mile. I was delighted to assist on the ‘production

line’ for the Boxes of Joy campaign last December, which was an initiative

inspired by a Ballarat young person who contacted the Y to see if we could

help disadvantaged children and youth. You can read more in this report on

this inspirational story.

Finally, I would like to thank the Board for their support and commitment

during the year. We must remember that our Board members are

volunteers, all with other professional and personal demands. All Board

members have made significant contributions to our organisation with

passion and wisdom and will lead us well into the next 12 months

and beyond.

Kind regards,

Keryn Crebbin President

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CHIEF ExECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

It is a great honour to deliver my first CEO Report for the YMCA Ballarat, reflecting the 138th

year of our organisation's proud history.

Our amazing reach and impact spans over 1000 kilometres in Victoria, impacting 67 communities in over 19

Local Government Areas, every day. This Report includes some of our most incredible stories this year, as our

people bring to life our vision of creating healthy and active communities and supporting individuals to achieve

their full potential. Our passion for working with young people has shone in 2016 and our united belief across all

YMCAs is clear- we believe in the power of inspired young people.

As has oft been quoted, the only constant in this world is change, and the YMCA Ballarat has determinedly

embraced change this year. We have achieved so many highlights as well as surmounted our biggest challenge

in recent history, facing a future without what was our iconic flagship operation, the Ballarat Aquatic and

Lifestyle Centre. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to impact on the Ballarat community’s health and

happiness so profoundly during our time managing the Centre.

As we near the final year of our strategic plan that will culminate in 2017 we have

been planning our strategic future. Health promotion, social connectedness

and youth empowerment remain priorities as we positively impact children,

families and communities in the focus areas of our current plan: Healthy Living,

Healthy Kids and Social Responsibility.

I would like to thank every person at the Y who makes our

organisation thrive, especially our staff and volunteers who never

cease to leave me inspired, grateful and humbled by the lengths

they always go to in supporting our communities. Our fantastic

people are what make working for the Y so exciting and enable

our vision to be brought to life. I would also like to thank the

Board, led by Keryn, whose decision making and leadership has

been a standout.

Thank you to each of you for making my job not only a privilege,

but a true pleasure. I can’t wait to see our impact continue to

grow and I thank everyone who has been part of our journey this

year. The best is yet to come.

Best wishes,

Kate Phillips Chief Executive Officer

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YMCA BALLARAT SNAPSHOT 2015-16• Our reach spans over 1,000 kilometres in rural and regional

Victoria

• This year we achieved our 138th year of operation

• We have 446 dedicated staff

• Our staff profile is 91% female and 9% male

• Total participation in 2015-16 was 458,813 attendances

• Drouin Primary Early Learning Centre opened – our first Primary School partnership to establish kindergarten on a school site

• 82% of kindergarten services in 2016 were rated as exceeding or meeting the National Quality Standard. Of those, 23 have been rated as exceeding, well above the National average

• An extended Long Day Care model was established in Birchip, Victoria

• 870 families were supported with Outside School Hours Care in Ballarat

• 9 young people attended Camp Connect, a YMCA school holiday camp for disadvantaged children aged 8-16

• Swimming lessons and water safety classes ran at six pools with over 500 children taking part in this vital skill for life

• Received Corangamite Shire Australia Day Award with Timboon Pool Committee for community connection

• 5 families received much needed Holiday Program respite through Open Doors funding

• The ReCranked bike recycling program gave out its 500th bike

• Two fully re-branded YMCA websites launched in February, making it simpler and clearer for our customers to connect.

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OUR COMMUNITY IMPACTHEALTHY KIDS

167,911 visits to our Early Years Programs

2,065 Families registered to use our

Kindergarten and Child Care services

NEW BIRCHIP LONg DAY CAREThis year, we responded to the needs of families in Birchip, a small rural town in the Mallee Region with a population of 850 people. The community had been actively seeking access to child care

services to support working families for many years.

In 2016 the YMCA partnered with the kindergarten and

community to offer a long day of child care for up to 18

children, a well received and utilised service for the area.

The YMCA is excited to have been able to support the

community by delivering a quality, affordable education

and care program with staff already known and trusted

by children and their families. Child care contributes

to the local economy by supporting parents and local

employers and plays a significant part in the growth and

sustainability of the community. The Birchip Long Day

Care program officially commenced in July 2016 and

continues to grow.

Kindergarten Quality Profile

23Services Exceeding the National Quality

Standards

16Services Meeting

the National Quality Standards

We believe every child and young person has the right to a happy, healthy and safe childhood, so that everyone can reach their full potential. Our Kindergartens, Outside School Hours Care and Youth Services provide an empowering and nurturing environment so that every child and young person can thrive.

The long day of care is fantastic, the staff are amazing and the

developmental benefits for the children are great. It has been really beneficial for the community to have this available.” Sandie Richmond, President, Birchip Kindergarten Committee

ExCEEDINg QUALITY STANDARDSThe YMCA Kindergarten Cluster Management services have had a proud culture of delivering exceptional quality in early childhood education since starting 13 years ago. The Kindergarten year is vital to help set the foundation of children’s schooling and give every child the best start in life. As a Kindergarten Cluster Manager, we work closely with the Victorian Department of Education and Training in our rural and remote settings, to bring to life the vision of every child having access to quality kindergarten.

In 2015-16, our services received the following Rating and Assessment Results, as determined by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. Our Exceeding Standard ratings are proudly 15% higher than the National Average, highlighting the incredible commitment to quality the YMCA delivers for all children every day.

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DELIVERINg MORE EARLY YEARS PLACES IN DROUINThe collaboration between local Council, State Government, Drouin Primary School and the YMCA resulted in a new purpose built Early Learning Centre opening in Drouin in March 2016. This was the first time YMCA Ballarat has partnered with a Primary School to establish a kindergarten on a school site.

The purpose built Early Learning Centre provides an additional 44 kindergarten places, a much needed resource for families in the growing community.

The partnership means that programs and services are at one

location, leading to increased collaboration and better outcomes for children’s learning and development.”

Nancy Drever, Children’s Services Manager, YMCA Ballarat

MP Jenny Mikakos at the official opening.Photo courtesy of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.

OUR NEW PARTNER: URQUHART PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

YMCA Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services are essential to support families and children when the school day is over but their working day is not. The YMCA partnered with Urquhart Park Primary School to offer Before and After School Care and

Vacation Care to families at the start of Term One in 2016.

OSHC programs work alongside schools to provide children with opportunities to further their learning through activities that are developed around their interests. OSHC is a place for them to play, socialise with friends, have fun and relax while our Educators offer a rich learning environment for life-skill development. OSHC programs are offered at six venues and through 30 partner schools in Ballarat to support children, families and the broader community.

870 families used our OSHC Programs

33,129 visits to Before School and

After School Care

4,721 visits to School Holiday Programs

YMCA of Ballarat | COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2015-16

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OUR COMMUNITY IMPACTHEALTHY LIVINg

We inspire healthy and active living through YMCA programs and services, connecting everyone in the community to live healthier and happier lives.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD FOR TIMBOON POOL

Timboon Outdoor Pool’s Australia Day party was

recognised at the Corangamite Shire’s Australia

Day Awards, winning an achievement award in the

Community Event of the Year category.

The annual event also had a new activity this year – a

triathlon, which attracted 40 participants and generated

plenty of community excitement.

Lee Edge, Ballarat YMCA’s Area Manager and Kate

Makin, from the Timboon Swimming Pool Committee,

accepted the joint award on behalf of the YMCA and the

Pool Committee at a local presentation. The Australia

Day awards celebrate the achievement and contribution

of individuals and groups in the community and were

presented by Corangamite Mayor, Jo Beard and Australia

Day Ambassador, Emily Burke.

“This is the first year that we’ve had the triathlon,”

said Ms Edge. “Along with the Pool Committee, we’ve

been running the Australia Day Family Pool Party for 14

years now and the community really love it. Everyone

does a terrific job and people come from quite a

distance, to support the pool and enjoy the atmosphere

and activities. It’s a very special achievement to have it

recognised by the Shire we work in partnership with.”

We congratulate the YMCA team at Timboon Swimming

Pool and the Timboon Pool Committee for organising

this fantastic annual community event!

Outdoor Pool visits 2015-16• Corangamite: 54,164 • Moyne: 10,524• Pyrenees: 19,152 • Total Outdoor Pools visits: 83,840 50 local schools used the Outdoor Pools for their programs

SENSATIONAL OUTDOOR POOL SEASON!Summer 2015/16 delivered in exceptional style as 11 YMCA managed outdoor pools celebrated the hot weather with fun, special events and a true sense of community spirit in and around the water.

With the highest pool attendances in 9 years, our team of dedicated staff went above and beyond throughout the season. Over 500 regional children accessed VicSwim accredited swimming lessons, ensuring that they had access to learn this vital skill for life. Community connections were also strengthened with a number of events and fundraising initiatives.

We would like to thank our valued and committed partners – the Corangamite, Moyne and Pyrenees Shire Councils who we work with every summer to deliver exceptional, safe and fun pool seasons.

HEALTHY HAPPY SUMMER FUN• Dive-in movies at Lismore, Camperdown and Timboon

Outdoor Pools

• Equestrian triathlon event at Terang … ride, swim, run!

• Early morning lap swimming at Mortlake, Timboon, Terang, Lismore, Skipton, Camperdown, Cobden pools

• New Water Aerobics sessions

• 68 Family Fun Days with inflatables and BBQs

• 536 children’s learn to swim classes providing lessons to children who would otherwise miss out

• Easter Bunny visited Terang Outdoor Pool at the end of the season and played games with children!

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YPLAY CAPTURES YOUNg IMAgINATIONSHundreds of children enthusiastically joined in at YPlay at the Ballarat Begonia Festival in March 2016 – keen to use their imaginations and building skills. The YMCA Ballarat activity featured supersized recycled materials for play and was located in the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

The YMCA philosophy of active play, healthy living and togetherness was evident as families embraced the theme of “it’s not how big you are – it’s how big you play!” with many parents building their own constructions or working with their children on new creations.

It was brilliant to see families playing and having fun together, with what

were not special equipment or toys – just upcycled items and a sense of fun and imagination!”Hayley Wilson, Program Co-ordinator.

ExPANDINg PROgRAMS AT CORANgAMITE STADIUMSCamperdown Stadium and Timboon Sporting Centre are thriving recreation hubs with YMCA programs and new initiatives attracting large numbers of participants from far and wide. Some travel as far as 56 kilometres just to participate in the sports and wellness programs on offer!

The stadiums provide a place not just for healthy activity but for people to come together and connect. Netball, badminton and basketball programs have all tripled in participation and the Camperdown stadium has seen its Sporting Schools Program commence for primary school children.

We have also catered to healthy minds, with the Y once again taking part in the KidsMatter mental health and wellbeing event for primary schools in the region. We were delighted to take part by connecting ‘Fun-nastics’, our junior gymnastics program, with the event. Over 200 young students took part in physical activities led by YMCA staff. The whole community came together on this day to show just how much “kids matter” to them.

YMCA of Ballarat | COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2015-16

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OUR COMMUNITY IMPACTSOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYWe enhance people’s everyday lives by positively impacting areas of need. We actively seek to address the causes of disadvantage through the power of education and social connectedness.

78 Boxes of Joy distributed at Christmas time

52 Volunteer hours assembling boxes

It was very much appreciated by the kids and the parents as well. Thanks

very much YMCA!!”Akua, Refugee Nurse, Ballarat Community Health

JOSH SWIMS TO HONOUR TOM CURRIE, A YMCA SWIMMINg TEACHER An amazing young person, Josh Wilson, whose grandfather Tom Currie ‘taught most of Ballarat to swim’, donated all the funds he raised in a 20km swim across the channel between Perth’s Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island in February to YMCA Open Doors. He raised $2,655 from his epic swim. His grandfather Tom Currie, an inspirational former YMCA Ballarat staff member, passed away in January 2015 at the age of 88. Tom swam all of his life and was passionate about passing on this important life skill to others.

"BOxES OF JOY" BRINg SMILES TO YOUNg FACES AT CHRISTMASThe Ballarat community showed fantastic support last Christmas for a new youth led initiative with 78 ‘boxes of joy’ assembled from donated items.

The idea was put forward by Jessy Malham, 19, who felt that children and young people experiencing disadvantage in Ballarat deserved a joyful Christmas. Inspired by the shoebox campaign run for overseas charities, Jessy approached the YMCA with the aim of starting a similar idea to benefit children in our local area. "I wanted to give something back to the community. It was great that the YMCA was able to assist in making my dream a reality. I'm so thankful for everybody's support,” she said.

YMCA volunteers and Jessy packed boxes with donated gifts for distribution by local agencies just before Christmas.

Stacey Oliver, YMCA Director, Community and Youth Engagement, said, “I was overwhelmed with the generosity and support of local people - it was very heart-warming to know that people want to help others. A small gift offering a touch of happiness for both children and their families is important, particularly at this time of year.”

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RECRANKED: BIKES CHANgINg LIVESReCranked receives donations from the community of

unused bicycles, ‘re-cranks’ them with the help of staff,

volunteers and young participants and then distributes

them to people in need.

Through the simple provision of a bike, ReCranked

enables people to become more physically active

and more connected, while allowing young people

to learn bike maintenance skills in a relaxed and fun

environment.

This year, under the leadership of Coordinator Wallace

Martin, ReCranked had a massive impact. 34 bikes

were recranked for the “Bike for Christmas” campaign,

ensuring children who may have gone without a gift on

Christmas Day received a "new" bike and brand new

Australian safety standard helmet. ReCranked also

achieved the milestone of donating its 500th bike!

The transformational impact of ReCranked was

epitomised recently when the program helped change

the life of a young Ballarat refugee. With a ReCranked

bike, he was able to travel to his local soccer club

and meet people in a town where he knew no one.

It increased his chances of employment as he could

commute far more easily. Through having a bike, he

was able to make friends, play a sport he loved, find

meaningful employment and really start his life here.

The YMCA works in partnership with welfare agencies

such as the Salvation Army, Children and Family

Services (CAFS), Centacare, schools and refugee

agencies to ensure that a “life-changing bike” is given

to anyone who needs one.

112 bikes ReCranked for new owners

4 Bike Education Programs in

Primary Schools assisted

13 agencies given bikes to distribute

Being able to provide a bike to someone is truly satisfying. Seeing

them excited to have transport and the opportunity to become fitter and healthier makes the work so rewarding. It’s also such a great feeling seeing the look on kids’ faces when they accomplish something meaningful.”Wallace Martin, ReCranked Coordinator.

YMCA of Ballarat | COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2015-16

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132 locals enjoyed a cuppa with their neighbours at Delacombe Community Morning Teas365 people got their skates on at Fun Skate sessions274 visits assisted with creating Delacombe Community Garden

1,458 visits by young people to our Youth Programs

WINTERFEST CREATES WARM COMMUNITY FEELINgAn annual event now in its third year, 2016’s WinterFest Market was the biggest and most successful one yet, with over 40 stallholders. More than 300 people enjoyed the entertainment, great food and supported local businesses. The market brought together the local community and raised almost $1,000 for YMCA Open Doors, our benevolent fund which supports access to YMCA services.

EMPOWERINg OUR YOUTH THROUgH PRACTICAL SKILLSThe Wendouree Youth Centre Practical Skills Program incorporates a range of activities aimed at 8-16 year olds to improve their life skills, health, wellbeing and social connections. The participants have enjoyed activities such as barista training, exploring university life in Para-medicine and Early Childhood studies at ACU, Public Transport challenges, community gardening, swimming, mental health and self-expression workshops. The staff have developed strong rapport and positive relationships with the children, their families and the Wendouree community and numbers have been increasing steadily.

The Youth Centre makes me happy. The leaders are fantastic. I love

coming every week!” Youth Centre participant

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gOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

YMCA Ballarat Inc. 15-16 14-15

Total Revenue $4 145 075 $4 509 145

Total Expense $4 041 183 $4 386 300

Net $103 892 $122 845

Youth Services 15-16 14-15

Total Revenue $338 386 $321 307

Total Expense $(290 125) $328 602

Net $48 261 $(7 295)

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEgUARDINg CHILDREN AND YOUNg PEOPLEThe safety and well-being of children and young people is our highest priority. Every day our staff care for thousands of children and young people across Victoria in our kindergartens, recreation centres, Outside School Hours Care and youth centres.

In October 2015, Ballarat YMCA completed its first annual review of our Australian Childhood Foundation accreditation. The review highlighted our collective culture, policies and work practices that promote the safety of children and young people in our care. Confidence in our child safe environment was supported by the results of our annual survey, with staff telling us overwhelmingly they knew the rights of children, the legislation that protects them and how to take appropriate action if they felt a child’s safety was compromised.

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Xavier Ryan

Keryn Crebbin, President Daniel Anderson Judith Coull

Nicholas Clare Alan Labas Robert McDougall

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our retiring Board Members.

Retired from the BoardSue BrownRosemarie CalvertRupert ColesChris LangIan MartinPeter MorrisPaul RoganShirley WaltersSimon Ward

OUR BOARDWe are fortunate to have a highly skilled Board of Directors, made up of volunteers committed to the communities in which we operate and who give their time so freely. We would like to acknowledge and thank all Directors for the expertise and leadership they have provided this year.

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THANK YOUOur partners and supporters are integral to our success as a community organisation. We gratefully acknowledge the following organisations for their commitment and partnership with the YMCA in 2015-16.

PartnersAustralian Catholic UniversityAlfredton Primary SchoolBallarat Community HealthBallarat Health ServicesBallarat Roller Derby LeagueBallarat Specialist SchoolBasketball BallaratBass Coast Shire CouncilBaw Baw Shire CouncilBuloke Shire CouncilBuninyong Primary SchoolCentral Goldfields Shire CouncilCentral Highlands Primary Care PartnershipCity of BallaratCity of Greater BendigoCobden District Health ServicesCommerce BallaratCommittee for BallaratCommunity Child CareCorangamite Shire CouncilDelacombe Chairs ForumDelacombe Primary SchoolDepartment of Education and Training, VictoriaDeveloping Other Talents and Skills (D.O.T.S)E-StoreEarly Learning Association of AustraliaEast Gippsland Shire CouncilKidsMatterMagpie Primary SchoolMildura Shire CouncilMount Alexander Shire CouncilMoyne Shire CouncilOur Lady Help of Christians Primary School

Phoenix P-12 Community CollegePleasant Street Primary SchoolPyrenees Shire CouncilRelationships Australia: VictoriaSouth Gippsland Shire CouncilSports CentralSwan Hill Rural City CouncilThe Ballarat FoundationUrquhart Park Primary SchoolWendouree AllianceWendouree Neighbourhood CentreWestern BulldogsWestern District Employment Access (WDEA)Women’s Health Grampians (CORE Alliance Member)YMCA Camera ClubYMCAs of AustraliaYuille Park Community CollegeY Service Club Ballarat

grantsCity of Ballarat Leith Trust Rotary Springfest Western District Employment Access (WDEA) Y Service Club Ballarat

DonorsBJT LegalDamian Caine, Caine PropertyMOR AccountantsSchweppes

YMCA of Ballarat | COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2015-16

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YMCA BALLARAT7 Lyons Street North, Ballarat, Vic 3350 P: 03 5329 2800 E: ballarat@ymca.org.auW: www.ballarat.ymca.org.auABN: 47 539 957 592